Although it feels very uncomfortable, generally ear pain is a health disorder that does not have a serious impact on the sufferer. In fact, minor ear pain you can treat yourself at home with the help of warm compresses, cold compresses, or over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain persists afterward, don't hesitate to see a doctor, OK!
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Method 1 of 2: Treating Ear Pain at Home
Step 1. Use heat to relieve ear pain
Since hot temperatures are effective in relieving body aches, you can benefit from using a variety of methods. However, be careful not to burn your ears, OK!
- Turn on the hairdryer on the lowest temperature, then direct the blowing air to the ear canal with a distance of about 25 cm. Do this for a few minutes. Supposedly, the warm temperature that comes out will make the ear feel more comfortable as well as can help dry the ear canal that water accidentally enters.
- Soak a cloth or soft towel in warm water. Squeeze the cloth or towel until the water is no longer dripping, then hold it to the ear for 20 minutes. If you want, you can also make a cold compress by soaking a cloth or towel in cold water instead of warm water.
- Compress the ear with a warm pad. Don't use this method for too long! Remove the pad after three to five minutes to allow the ear temperature to return to normal.
Step 2. Take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
All three are over-the-counter pain relievers that can't completely relieve pain, but at least they can relieve it. Always follow the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging, yes!
- If the pain is very intense and does not subside after taking a pill or two of medicine, see a doctor immediately. Also see a doctor if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness or fever.
- Never give aspirin to children or adolescents to reduce their risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
Step 3. Use olive oil or baby oil
Although it sounds less common, olive oil or baby oil can actually replace the role of commercial ear drops, you know! In particular, both are able to lubricate the ear well while relieving pain that appears in the area.
- Warm the oil, then pour 3-4 drops into the painful ear canal. Allow the oil to absorb for about half an hour, then lie on your side with the treated ear facing down to drain any remaining oil. Remember, the oil should not be colder or hotter than body temperature to avoid temporary dizziness or vertigo.
- If desired and available, you can also infuse the oil with a little cinnamon oil.
Step 4. Get creative with garlic
In fact, all forms of processed garlic are claimed to be able to fight ear pain. If one of these is available in your home, try using it. Some methods worth trying:
- Warm a little sesame oil with a minced garlic clove for a few minutes. Once the garlic extract has soaked into the oil, let the oil cool to room temperature and then strain the pulp. Apply oil to the ear to relieve pain that appears.
- Some people claim that their ear pain can subside with the help of garlic. If you want to try it, you only need to cut a clove of garlic. Then, place half an onion in your ear and the other half in a glass of boiling water. After that, position the ear over the mouth of the glass until the hot steam penetrates the onion in the ear opening and reaches the area where it hurts.
Step 5. Use the onions that are available in your refrigerator
Another vegetable that can relieve ear pain is onions! To use it, all you have to do is chop the onion, crush it, and tightly bandage it with a cheesecloth. Then, lie on your side while compressing the ear with the pack.
If you only have ginger instead of onions, apply the ingredients in the same way
Step 6. Try consuming mint leaves or basil leaves
Both are folk remedies that are really powerful to solve your problem. To use it, you only need to extract the mint leaves or basil leaves, then dilute them with olive oil or baby oil. The method? Simply crush the leaves and dry them under a heat source. In general, peppermint oil should be applied "around" the ear, while basil oil can be applied inside the ear.
Step 7. Chew gum and yawn
If your ear pain is caused by changes in air pressure, try chewing gum or forcing yourself to yawn. You should hear a popping sound in your ear and your condition will improve on its own.
- Or, you can also do an "intense" chewing motion. By doing so, the muscles that are able to activate the eustachian tube will open and release the pressure inside.
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENT) recommends this method to counter the side effects of changes in air pressure in airplanes: Cover your mouth and squeeze your nostrils. at the same time, cover the unaffected ear canal with your fingers. After that, blow air through your nostrils until you hear a popping sound in your ears. However, do not do this if the ear pain is caused by congestion due to an upper respiratory tract infection so that the infection does not spread to your ear.
Step 8. Use aromatherapy
First, dilute an essential oil (such as lavender oil) with a little olive oil. Then, apply the oil on the “outside” area of the affected ear and around the lymph nodes on the neck.
If the pain is really interfering with your health and productivity, the use of aromatherapy won't do any good. Instead, see your doctor for a prescription for a drug that can work faster
Method 2 of 2: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Take antibiotics
If the pain does not subside on its own, is accompanied by other symptoms, or is very intense, see your doctor immediately for a prescription for the right antibiotic.
The effects of penicillin may only be felt after taking it for a few days. Consult the suitability of the drug with your condition and ask for recommendations for drugs that can relieve pain quickly
Step 2. Identify possible pain caused by mucus buildup
Coughing and blowing mucus can also irritate the inner ear, you know! As a result, ear pain often occurs because of it. If other fever symptoms also appear, most likely the pain is caused by a buildup of mucus.
Most likely, your doctor will prescribe a decongestant or nasal spray that you can use as directed, although you should generally take ibuprofen as well, at least early in the treatment process. Supposedly, after that the excess mucus production will stop and the ear pain will subside
Step 3. Identify possible pain caused by earwax production
Although its presence has a positive function, excess earwax production can also cause ear pain. However, don't worry because your doctor can always help you get it out!
- Your doctor may prescribe ear drops or a similar product to safely remove earwax to relieve your ear of the pain caused by wax buildup. Supposedly, the doctor will also recommend various tips to prevent ear pain from reappearing in the future.
- If the earwax has hardened and clumped, it is likely that the doctor will remove it manually to treat any problems that may be triggered by it.
